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Dorchester County adopts $2 monthly 911 surcharge to boost emergency services funding
Summary
The County Council unanimously adopted Bill No. 2025‑2 to raise the monthly 911 fee to $2.00; Communications Division Manager Robbie Larimer said each $0.25 increase yields about $110,000 that must be used for 911 expenses.
Dorchester County officials voted unanimously March 4 to increase the county 911 surcharge to $2.00 per month by adopting Bill No. 2025‑2.
Robbie Larimer, Communications Division Manager for the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, told the council that “each $0.25 increase is approximately $110,000 which can only be used for 911 expenses,” and explained that carriers remit fees to the Maryland Public Service Commission, which disburses funds to the County quarterly. Council President George L. Pfeffer Jr. added that prepaid phone transactions are billed at $0.60 per transaction.
Two residents — Dorothy Samonisky and Ashely Samonisky — spoke during the public hearing; Ashely Samonisky expressed support for the increase. With no further public opposition, the council adopted the bill by roll call vote: Pfeffer, Detmer, Kramer, Nichols and Travers voted aye.
The council said the additional revenue is restricted to 911‑related costs. Larimer outlined billing mechanics (wireline billing based on physical location; cell phone billing based on service address) and emphasized that the County relies on the Public Service Commission and the statewide 911 board to confirm carrier reporting and disbursements.
Bill No. 2025‑2 takes effect following the council’s adoption and the administrative steps required to update billing and remittance.
